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For this week's challenge, we were asked to create an outfit board inspired by the streets of Milan, incorporating a MNG by MANGO leather jacket. I thought this would be simple, but once I logged in and saw the vast selection of garments and shoes to choose from without having to worry about sizing, fit, and proportions - I was utterly overwhelmed!

This got me wondering - how would I dress if I had no issues shopping for clothes? Would I be tempted to buy everything (without worrying about alterations costs, overbearing boot shafts, or looking like I'm playing dress-up in Mom's clothes?). I don't know, but one thing's for sure - I would miss the thrill of finding that rare, well-fitting garment. Readers who need special sizing - would you dress differently if fit and proportions were not an issue? Would you shop more?
Pondering aside, for this look, I:
- used both items I covet as well as things I already own and love (suede ankle booties and deep plum polish!).
- knew nothing about "Milan" fashion so I took the easy way out with Italian designers.
- was hit by a strong desire to own a non-Target, monochromatic, classic Missoni tunic or mini dress. I love the cut on this one, and it's the perfect knit piece to don with tougher leather and ankle boots.

If you're interested in joining us on a trip to Barcelona, check out the Elle.com Sweepstakes for a chance to come along!

I didn't realize that this week's challenge would be on a board, and had already picked up a blouse for the post. I'll show more of it later, along with a review of two textured Fall pieces in petite sizing. Stay tuned!

I'm 5'8 and clothes mostly fit me as advertised. In other words I have no issues shopping for clothes (online too) and have never had to return anything. This goes to your question of do I, a regular sized woman, shop more than my petite counterparts. I can't speak for all petites, of course, but I can say that I shop less than my petite friends (and believe me, I'm no shopping prude!). Since they have a lot of trouble with fit they tend to buy every well-fitting item they come across. They're not particularly selective about what they buy because they think that the next time they'll strike fitting-room gold is around next year's blue moon. As a result they end up with lots of well fitting but not loved items. I, on the other hand, buy one or two things I need (or want) and lay it to rest. If everything I buy fits there's no pressure to stock up for a rainy day, so to speak.

@Anna How funny to hear your perspective on this. Yep, what you say is oh-so-true. I'm sure many petite ladies (myself included) are guilty indeed of buying stuff that we don't LOVE "because it actually fits!" This can be said for most of my H&M sz 2 items. We're also guilty indeed of buying duplicates to stock up because who knows when we'll find something that fits that well again?

I'm a petite myself (just under 5'), and I have to admit it's like a treasure hunt every time I go shopping. If I'm regular size, I probably wouldn't have the urge to buy on impulse, thinking next time around I may never find something that fits so well like this time...but I guess i'm glad me and my twin sister will always be more critical than the one buying (imagine buying two for each item we love every time!) You look gorgeous as always EP! Love your blog, you are like our personal shopper now! Thanks so much for all the insights!Petite twin

I have a couple of buddies that are pretty regular in sizing, but because their sizes are "always going to be there", they aren't too worried about finding something better... As for me, when I find something in my size, I always just snag it off the rack before someone takes it because I'm always thinking "will someone take my size when I decide to come back and purchase?" -- When in stores, even online, I'm always looking for my size and count how much is in stock, which sucks me in into buying and not even wearing later bc I didn't think of the other factors like the cut... But because of your blog, I always think about the factors of size, cute, fit, as well as how many times I will wear it, etc. (= So I thank you for that!

I have a couple of buddies that are pretty regular in sizing, but because their sizes are "always going to be there", they aren't too worried about finding something better... As for me, when I find something in my size, I always just snag it off the rack before someone takes it because I'm always thinking "will someone take my size when I decide to come back and purchase?" -- When in stores, even online, I'm always looking for my size and count how much is in stock, which sucks me in into buying and not even wearing later bc I didn't think of the other factors like the cut... But because of your blog, I always think about the factors of size, cute, fit, as well as how many times I will wear it, etc. (= So I thank you for that!

nice outfit choices for this challenge. looks very chic and would be perfect for milan, one of the top fashion capitals of the world. ;)

in regards to your question, i'm not petite and i do shop more than my petite friends......but that's only because i love fashion. from reading your blog, i've learned to curb my spending habits and purchase things that i love and will wear often rather than just wearing it once or twice then donating it. that, i have you to thank for and i'm sure my hubby is grateful also. lol....

When I had money for shopping, I was a 34A-22-32, then 32B-22-32, and 5'2". I'm a true 5.5M shoe, so it only needs to feel comfortable.

If I needed jeans, I went to the same brands that fit, usually Arizona at JC Penney. For tops, I just had to make sure it didn't end up too low-cut, and for bottoms they needed to not be falling off. My shoulders are kind of wide for my build, so tailored shirts can be hard to fit in the small sizes without feeling constrictive, or that I'm going to pop a button.

Pre-adulthood, my mother and I went shopping at least 3 times a year for clothes - before my birthday in June, in Sept. for starting school, and before Christmas. The vast majority of my wardrobe came from Kids R Us until I went to college, as a 14slim were the only pants and skirts that fit.

I usually don't worry about leg length, especially now that a lot of brands offer a Short inseam. Just have to fit my waist or hips according to the rise. And sleeves are almost always long, but I have mostly knits, so I don't mind....the length helps with my cold hands!

I buy clothes that look good on me, and part of that is either it fits or it doesn't. I don't think I've ever seen something I was so in love with that I'd get it no matter what, but I only take something off the rack if the color or look appealed to begin with.

Oh, and when you need to see a city's style, look up a travel show on that place, like Rick Steve's Europe, and watch the ep for the people in the background. That'll tell you some of what's typical and specific about it. RSE are 25 min eps.

VERY interesting question! I can't even begin to THINK about what life would be like if I wasn't afraid of fit. Pretty boring. Haha. I love the thrill of the hunt! That's why I love thrifting. There's a sense of satisfaction when I find a great piece (at a great price) that fits and is in style or timeless.

LOVE those pants, by the way! I saw them when you posted the link in your sale post last week (?) but they look even better on!

If you ever shop in Asia, you will have no problem finding clothes that fit you. I don't think you will need alterations nearly as much because there are many many asian girls out there sharing the same size. Not sure if this is good or bad - you might find yourself confused and lost with so many choices! :)

I'm not as petite as you so I don't have as much trouble finding clothes but I've been guilty in the past of buying clothes just because they "fit" (fit meaning didn't fall off) and then not wearing them because I didn't feel good in them. Definitely turned that around since I discovered blogs!

I always tell my hubby that he better be glad I'm so petite otherwise I'd spend WAAY too much money on clothes.

I shop pretty modestly BECAUSE it's so rare that I find things that fit well enough to not have to alter. But I don't settle, not anymore. I'd shop a lot more if I didn't mind what I picked up...but now that I'm older I can't buy something unless I'm actually going to wear it.

Things might be different if I didn't have this issue, but I'd still be picky about the clothes I buy. I think I'd definitely have MORE clothes though.

I love those cords! Must.get.!! That color is so beautiful. Is it aubergine? That was the color I was eyeing as well. Luckily(or unluckily) for me my size is gone in that color for petite. I'm going to try heading to GAP later to see if I can find a pair of regulars to see how they compare.

I don't have that much difficulty finding things that fit me on the top - I find it's much more challenging to find things that fit on the bottom without wrinkles or scrunches because I'm more oddly shaped there.

My biggest problem is finding a nice casual feminine style - because there are days when all I want to do is put on my tokidoki t-shirt, medium washed bootcut jeans, my hoodie, a pair of flip flops and call it a day. Your blog consistently pushes me to maybe take a risk on more feminine items - though wearing skirts are still foreign to me ;) I know if I started up my blog again I might be able to find a style that works since when I took pictures before it looked as though some of the jeans I was wearing was fit all wrong! Pictures are amazing. Wow, that was a bunch of blabbing...

Its funny because I was just at H&M today and I was holding like 10 of their size 2 items, everything fitted me...but i told myself I can NOT keep buying clothes just because it fits me. I constantly think that, well since it fits might as well get it because how often do I come across clothes that fit me right? In the past, I would definitely have bought 9 out of the 10 items, whether I needed/wanted them or not, but I've slowly learned to put things down and focus on purchasing pieces I actually love.